NEW MOBILE TEST SITE AS DISEASE ON THE RISE

A COVID-19 testing facility is now in operation at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena as infections rise in the area.

A spokesperson for the Public Health Agency confirmed the unit was present at the site in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, from yesterday.

The area’s nearest testing centres had been in Portadown, Co Armagh, and Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.

Independent councillor Dan Kerr said: “I would like to welcome this news. It is great there has been a quick response from both council and the PHA to facilitate this mobile testing unit.

“Hopefully this site will help combat the recent surge in the virus and this will help people get tested and know, depending on the result of the test, if they need to self-isolate or not.”

Cllr Kerr had previously called for the establishment of a testing centre in

Mid Ulster. Speaking at September’s monthly meeting, he said: “Council should be trying to apply as much pressure as possible to statutory agencies.

“There should be a testing centre in the Mid Ulster area that could be easily accessible to residents in the area.”

The mobile testing unit is in addition to four fixed sites across Northern Ireland in Belfast, Derry, Craigavon and Enniskillen.

The Public Health Agency spokesperson added: “A mobile testing unit was also in place in Cookstown in June. You, or any member of your family, should only have a test if you have the symptoms of Covid-19, which are a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a change in your sense of taste or smell.

“Details of all test site locations and how to book a test can be found on the PHA’S website www.pha.site/cvtesting.”